SD Beef Plant Continues To Pass Inspections

The Northern Beef Packers plant in Aberdeen continues to pass city inspections as the long-delayed slaughterhouse tests equipment in advance of full production.

The plant is authorized to slaughter and process up to 200 cattle per day. Starting Nov. 12 it can increase production to 500 head per day if it continues to pass inspections.

The plant eventually is to process 1,500 cattle per day from the Dakotas, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota.

Construction on the $109 million plant began five years ago. Problems including financial issues, flooding and lawsuits have repeatedly pushed back the opening date. Area cattle producers say they're excited that the plant is in limited production.